The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's Aviation Railway Accident Investigation Committee (항철위) announced on the 30th that it held a preliminary meeting to ensure safety prior to a joint inspection of the AIR BUSAN aircraft fire accident at Gimhae Airport.
On the same day, at 10 a.m., the committee held a comprehensive preliminary meeting for a joint inspection of the fire with the Busan Police Agency, Busan Fire Disaster Headquarters, and the National Forensic Service.
In particular, during this meeting, the committee is focusing on discussing the safety of the scene, considering that 35,000 pounds of aviation fuel are stored in both wings of the aircraft. It is expected to clarify the direction of the joint inspection by discussing necessary safety protective measures and checking the condition of the aircraft.
However, the decision to carry out the joint inspection will be made after confirming safety through an on-site investigation at 2 p.m. on the same day. If safety is not ensured, the joint inspection may be canceled.
The committee said, "We will approach the investigation keeping all possibilities open to identify the exact cause of the fire."
On the 28th, around 10:15 p.m., a fire broke out near the tail of the AIR BUSAN passenger flight BX391 heading to Hong Kong, while it was preparing for takeoff at Gimhae Airport. All 176 passengers and crew members escaped safely, but it is reported that seven passengers suffered minor injuries in the process. The police and fire authorities have secured testimonies from the crew that smoke and flames were seen from the aircraft's overhead compartment and have started to investigate the exact cause of the fire.